Facing money laundering charges in relation to valeting business

A MAN who was facing money laundering charges in relation to a car valeting business he operated on a cash basis, received a six-month suspended prison sentence at Blanchardstown District Court.

Sean Hulgraine (35), with an address of Woodford Meadows, Clondalkin, appeared in court.

Garda Barry O’Shea told the court that on July 5, 2019, a search of the defendant’s home led to the discovery of €2,335 in cash and Dolce and Gabbana runners valued at €645.

The court heard the accused has 11 previous convictions, including a money laundering offence in 2018.

Defence solicitor Michael Hennessy accepted his client had cash there to avoid revenue scrutiny, had been car valeting at the time but was no longer able to run the business in which he had “limitations” and “did not have his affairs in order.”

Since the offence seven years ago, Mr Hulgrain was now a PAYE worker, got married, has two young kids and has “radically changed his life”, said Mr Hennessy.

Garda O’Brien accepted that Hulgrain was a registered sole trader for the valet business.

Judge Peter White took into account the guilty plea, testimonials provided to court including by Hulgrain’s current employer, and that he has “turned a corner” and is pro social in helping  neighbours and gainfully employed.

However, noting the seriousness of the offence, Judge White imposed a six-month sentence which he suspended for a period of 12 months.

 Funded by the Local Courts Reporting Scheme